She wrote me in early May to say she was working on a story for STIR, the Sherwin Williams on-line magazine. She wrote: "I'm writing about how homeowners are converting formal spaces into more casual ones. Didn't you turn your dining room into a home office? "

She then emailed me some very specific questions, such as "What was our thought process behind this conversion"...oh, yes, we did indeed turn our dining room, in our newly purchased house, into a study for my husband. In case you missed it, you can read the details here and here.

(after renovation: the new study and French doors)

Other questions, which she addresses in the article, included how and where we now entertain, what specific architectural changes did we have to make, and what do I feel about the use of formal dining areas in today's contemporary home. Great questions!

Thanks for this opportunity Kelly; and I hope others can use some of our thoughts and ideas...

06/01/2011

actually four years ago, I bought a wonderful pair of flip flops with embroidered ribbon straps. They took me through two trips to Paris, not to mention hundreds of days at home and out and about. But, of course, they were looking not so great by this spring. So I contacted the manufacturer, Derin International.

My old, ratty shoe is on the right. To the left is the brand new, gorgeous pair that arrived just the other day.

And, here is a pink pair that also arrived:

(sorry, it's a little blurry!)

So...while I was talking to Sarah, one of the owners of Derin, it occurred to me that I might do a "story" on the company. I sent her some questions and she very kindly answered in full...

1. Can you tell us something about the company, how it started and a bit of the history?

Derin International dates back to a decade ago when, shortly after they were married, Sara and Ersan moved from New York City to Ersan's Native Istanbul. Surrounded by the natural beauty and ancient culture of Turkey, Ersan led Sara along the streets of his youth, introducing her to the city's language and customs. They dreamed about a way to bring some part of it back with them to the states. While on one of their trips to the Grand Bazaar, where Ersan's grandfather worked as a merchant for 70 years, they encountered small purses made out of replicas of traditional woven carpets. So taken with the beauty of the fabric, they were inspired to create their own fabrics and designs, more in tune with the American market. The response to their vision was, fittingly, named after their newborn son, Derin.

Derin International now exclusively designs the fabric and all the bags, accessories and shoes for their product lines. Sara works with the weavers to create a color palate that meets the ever-changing fashion industry while staying true to classic carpet design.

Now located in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York, Derin International remains at its heart as it was- the individual vision of an international couple; a blend of east and west. Proudly, the company has grown to include a new and exciting line of pewtre jewelry that brings together the motifs of Derin's intricate patterns with bold, sleek design, Derya Jewelry, named after their daughter, launched July 2010. The products of Derin International truly mirror the lifestyle and family that Sara and Ersan have created together.

2.What is your thought process in deciding which products to produce, and in which colors?

I design both to meet the demand of our customers but also bag styles which are functional and beautiful. Every 6 months we discontinue 3 colors and add 3 more. I use colors which are fitting for the season we are in and go for a fresh and new look each time.

3. What is your best selling category?

Our belts and accessories are our best sellers, followed by our hipster bags. It is a challange to come up with new useful accessories.

4. What do you like MOST about running a manufacturing/importing business?

I really love what I do. I am inspired by colors of nature and it is fun and challenging to come up with new color combination which work as our fabric. Sewing prototypes is also very fun for me as well. As with any business there are definitely ups and downs.

5. Do you find this business sort of takes over your life? Or are you good at separating it from your personal life? And why Red Hook, New York?

In the past it was very difficult to separate business out of my everyday life. As we have become more established it has become easier. Red Hook is a lovely area and not too far from NYC.

Unfortunately, these flip flops are almost sold out. They have had problems with the production in Turkey and are not sure when this will be resolved. But go to their website to see the other great products available:

Thank you, Sarah, for offering us a glimpse into your design process and your company!

05/26/2010

...and so I whisper is Anabel's blog. Not only are her products out of this world; her pictures are just as wonderful. Add to that her unusual and unique life story and the result is a blend of sophistication, curiosity, love of color and materials and an attention to details that won me over!

I've wanted to do a giveaway with some of her products for some time now. But I also wanted to interview her for a feature post... so here I am ... combining the two. I asked her some questions, just last week, to which she responded.

Q: Would you tell us something about you and your unusual history?

A.: I am a native Costa Rican of French descent and mother of two wonderful kids, living in Bolivia. I am a person of the arts who cannot keep still, and my mind and my hands are always busy creating new things and playing with every material that gets into my hands. I have traveled extensively since I was very young and enjoy the challenge of moving to new places and discovering new cultures.

Q: Can you tell us how that has influenced not only your present style, but how you think that has made your style unique? I mean, how is your world view different from, say, someone who has always lived in one place?

A.: After living in Europe, South America, Central America, Africa and the Middle East, I have found that my perceptions are much more sensitive and open to discovery. I have learned to use color and mix textures in everything in my life. Traveling and moving around has made me a much more tolerant and adaptable person to different environments and settings. I have met many people who have inspired me, who have taught me new ways doing things.

Q: And your sense of color: is it color that guides you? Or materials? Or both? Does one come first and sort of lead you to the other?

A: I first look into the materials I would like to use and then I look for the colors that work for each collection.

Q: When you lived in Africa, did you also look to the local women for their craft "ability" and use them? You are still importing items from Africa, right? As you move around the world, do you think you will continue to work with people from these different countries, or would you prefer to concentrate your efforts in one country?

A: Yes, I lived in Africa for two years. I learned there the wonderful art of beading and now use it in my accessories collections. I am still importing fabric from different parts of Africa because I love the colors and designs.

I concentrate my efforts in creating styles and collections that can be manufactured wholly in Bolivia where my permanent workshop is located, but I love the materials and colors from different parts of the world, and as they become available to me I would like to keep experimenting and creating with them.

Since 2003 I started a poverty alleviation project in Bolivia to provide work and improve incomes to women knitters in the city of Cochabamba. We started with a baby and children's clothing line, and since November 2009 started a line of women's clothing and accessories.

Now, let's get on to the Giveaway!

#1. African "Khanga" necklace.

These fabrics are from Kenya, and the beads from Tanzania

#2.

#3. Pendant Necklace

Made from Pima cotton from Peru and pewter from Bolivia. Hand made in Bolivia.

#4.

Faux pearl handmade in Bolivia.

#5.

Summer weight Pima cotton scarf made in Bolivia

To enter the giveaway:

1. Choose the item you would like!

2. Leave a comment on the post, and be sure to leave your email so I can contact you if you win! Then, for additional entries you can:

**** Become a follower and leave a separate comment

**** Post, or Tweet, about the giveaway and leave a comment linking back to your blog or Tweet

**** Yes, we can ship to Canada and Europe

That's up to three entries! Giveaway will close at 9 PM on Sunday, June 6, 2010.